Byzantine Terracotta Oil Lamp

Rectangular with pierced lug to the reverse; rectangular design with text 'XAPO / ETA'. 80 grams, 66 mm



From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1969-1999; thence by descent.

The legend should have been written in reverse for a stamp; it may have been a blundered legend by the workman.

Comprising a triple geometric rhomboidal figure, where three rhombuses are drawn one inside the other and distinguished by different shades of yellow, white and light red, the latter figure marked in the centre by a white space; the three figures are vertically arranged in a perfect geometric axis on a light background. 36.3 kg, 114.5 cm including frame



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11823-207411.

The tendency to use abstract and geometric motifs characterises the mosaic art of the Levant under the domination of Byzantium. Close ties can be identified between these rhomboidal figures and those of some of the famous Lebanese mosaics of Beit el Dine, or the mosaics of Tiberias and Hammat, which represent the last expression of Roman art in that area before the Islamic conquest.

The molded body of broadly globular form and displaying a 'net' pattern, with everted neck and mouth. 35 grams, 77 mm



Ex Coincraft, London WC1. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. Accompanied by a Coincraft certificate of authenticity.